Rip-it Automated Tablesaw Fence

Rip-it has launched a Kickstarter project for its one-of-a-kind tablesaw fence

Jun 13, 2018

Traditional tablesaw fence setting requires you to manually use a tape measure, move and then lock the fence, and measure again. This can be quite a tedious process, especially if you don’t get it right on the first try. Rip-it has come up with a one-of-its-kind solution: The Automated Tablesaw Fence.

This tablesaw fence is digitally-controlled via a touchscreen keypad that will send the fence to the correct width on the table. Then, the fence will automatically lock into place and self-calibrate. The Automated Tablesaw Fence is made to maximize your efficiency in the workshop by eliminating manual measuring and setting, and reducing mis-setting, thus reducing waste.

Rip-it just launched their campaign on Kickstarter, where you can find more product details, images, and videos, and you can pledge money to support the future production of the Automated Tablesaw Fence.

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This idea was bound to happen given the proliferation of cheaper CNC router options, and single axis movement is of course easier. Seems like it could be done more cheaply without the auto calibration part. Why not just push and hold a button to calibrate it like electronic an scale?

It certainly has a market. My biggest critique (maybe easily fixable or already there) is I don't see a manual sliding and locking option on that prototype. Most of the time you have no idea what the exact number is. If you're only planning on cutting to known sizes like in a production cabinet shop, this would be great. But for the average woodworker, I actually think this would detract from the workflow.

This is great, and a digital readout is almost always more accurate. However, all it does is control the table saw fence and set the cut distance. For around the same cost, there is something called "Incra" that we are all fairly well familiar with. The Table saw fence cost is $399, and is accurate to .001" No batteries, no electricity required, and it also gives a platform for a very versatile router fence, too. The INCRA TS-LS Joinery System is $799, the same price as this fence, and provides a much more versatile table saw and router table system.
While I applaud the effort, I don't think this fence gives the user a good value.

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